Director of Information Technology

Director of Information Technology

Great Parks of Hamilton County, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States

About this position

Great Parks is looking for a collaborative and strategic Director of Information Technology to lead our award‑winning Information Technology (IT) department. The IT department consists of many skillsets ranging from day‑to‑day support ticket resolution to website and software management to network infrastructure maintenance and backups.

As the Director of Information Technology (IT), you will be responsible for the strategic direction, operational excellence, and digital innovation for the technology needs of Great Parks. This leadership role oversees all aspects of IT infrastructure, enterprise systems and database management, cybersecurity compliance, IT project portfolio management, and service delivery. There will be a strong focus on leading transformative initiatives that drive business value and operational efficiency. This role collaborates with the executive leadership team and plays a crucial role in shaping the organization’s future through effective use of technology.

Responsibilities

Maintains responsibility for the overall leadership and strategic and tactical direction of the Information Technology (IT) department. Manages in accordance with delegated authority, and Great Parks’ policies, applicable laws, and regulations. Delegates job responsibilities, maintains effective organizational communications, and consistently follows sound management principles and practices. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the agency’s rules, policies, and applicable laws. Plans, organizes, directs, and evaluates performance of subordinate staff. Establishes priorities, performance requirements, and personal development targets that are connected to the organization’s goals, objectives, and initiatives; regularly monitors performance and provides coaching for performance improvement and development. Provides recommendations related to hiring and performance recognition; takes disciplinary action, up to and including termination, to address performance deficiencies in conjunction with Human Resources. Defines and executes the organization’s IT vision and strategy in alignment with business goals. Serves as a collaborator with the executive leadership team (LT), contributing to enterprise‑wide planning and decision‑making. Provides leadership to the LT‑IT committee. Champions innovation by researching and evaluating emerging technologies and presenting cost‑benefit analyses and implementation strategies. Manages the team responsible for on‑premises IT infrastructure including networks, physical and virtual servers, cybersecurity, access control, wireless systems, internet services, VOIP system and analog lines. Manages third‑party information technology consultants including senior engineers, UX/UI designers, and others who assist with large, organization‑wide initiatives and provide oversight on the architecture, maintenance, and support of physical and virtual server environments including attached storage arrays. Directs the development and implementation of information technology and database backup systems (both on‑premises and cloud‑based) and disaster recovery systems including data retention and storage procedures. Ensures high availability, performance, and security of all systems and services. Governs daily IT operations including help desk support, issue resolution, prioritization, and escalation. Manages the oversight of multiple enterprise software systems and databases, including integration, performance, upgrades, and license compliance. Includes both on‑premises and cloud‑based (SaaS) applications. Directs the interpretation of database processes, workflow, and business requirements to integrate with software design and capability including a high level of knowledge of database applications to ensure that technology is consistent with internal processes. Coordinates the development, implementation and management of a company‑wide data analytics and business intelligence platform. Directs the IT project portfolio, including large‑scale, cross‑functional initiatives with enterprise‑wide impact. Leads large enterprise level projects that have organizational impact (such as enterprise applications, website, integrations, data) to better support organizational goals of improved customer experience, organizational effectiveness and data collection. Develops and maintains short and long‑range strategic IT plans, including project requirements, phases, priorities, resources, etc., KPIs, documentation, communication strategies, and status reporting. Responsible for the creation, presentation to Budget Committee, and management of the IT department’s annual budget. Ensures that funds are appropriately managed within budget including the establishment of lifecycle and replacement plans in line with industry best practices. Guides all IT procurement, vendor relationships, contract negotiations, and SLA compliance. Reviews and approves IT expenditures following organization financial policies. Leads and mentors internal IT professionals and typically manages and collaborates with several external consultants at a given time. Directs the implementation of an on‑call support system for all Information Technology related systems including adjustment of scheduled hours and staffing to support other divisions. Fosters a high‑performance culture focused on innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement. Provides career development, performance feedback, and effective delegation.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in information technology, computer science, or a related field is required. Minimum of 10 years of progressive IT experience, with at least 7 years in a senior IT leadership role. Experience is similar to this position’s job responsibilities. 2 years of public sector experience preferred. Demonstrated success in managing enterprise‑level IT infrastructure, applications, and digital transformation initiatives. Strong experience in project/portfolio management and leading cross‑functional teams. Excellent communication, leadership, and strategic planning skills. Industry certifications are highly desirable (e.g., PMP, ITIL, CISSP, Microsoft, AWS). Ability to submit a fingerprint check to successfully pass a criminal background check through the FBI and the Ohio BCI. Ability to document identity and employment eligibility within three (3) days of original appointment as a condition of employment in compliance with Immigration Reform and Control Act requirements.

License of Certification Requirements

State Motor Vehicle Operator’s License that meets GPHC current carrier guidelines.

Benefits

Benefits include medical, dental and life insurance; paid vacation, holidays and sick time; enrollment in Ohio Public Employees Retirement System and free or discounted use of many Great Parks of Hamilton County recreational activities.

Great Parks is an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, military status, or any other classification protected under applicable law.